Annunciator panel



Nov. 22 1932. J. o. CADIEUX ANNUNCIATOR PANEL Fi1ed March 6 1930 INVENTOR Patented Nov. 22, 1932 umran sraTas PATENT oFHcn JOSEPH o. CADIEUX, on MER'DEN, CONNECTCUT, SSIGNOL TOC1NECT]CUTTELE- 8 PHONE & ELEGRIC CORPORATION, on arnnrDnn, connnomrovr,n OBIORALIQN on DELAWABE Application filed Mareh 6,

This invention relates to the manufacture 0f indicia panels and more particularly to that type associated with electric annunciators and the like.

A principal Object of my invention provides an indicia panel which presents a uniform surface capable of sharply defining the indicia thereon when illuninated.

Another object of my.invention provides a panel that may be easily cleaned without the resultant chipping of the indicia due to constant rubbing and washing of the surface, thercby efiecting a high degree of sanitation and an economy in replacement.

A further object provides a panel th at is simple in construction, inexpensive to manu facture and highly eflicient in use.

Other objects and advantages Will be apparent from the following description, ap pended daim and annezed drawing.

In its preferred embodiment the panel consists of a transparent body provided with an opaque coating in which suitable indiciais out and a translucent coating applied over-- all. This is made by first applying a number of coatings of enamel or paint to the surface of the transparent body sufficient to make it opaque. The indicia is then cut therein and the portion forming the same removed. Another coating of translucent material is then applied overall, thus forming a panel that presents an apparent uniform opaque surface until a bright light shines behind it whereupon the symbol, letter or number shows distinctly.

Referring to the drawing wherein Fig. 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a. conventional type of annunciator box, my invention being applied thereto.

Figs. 2, 3, 4:, 5 and 6 are fragmentary sectional views showing various steps in making a panel according to my invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, a conven tional type of annunciator box 20 is provided with opaque walls 21. A suitable signal or pilot l1ght 22 is placed therein and serves to illuminate an indicia panel 25, forming one of the side walls, which if desired may be hinged to the box in any convenient manner to form a door or the like.

'27 or-'any translucent material adaptable for opaque; preferably'that of a metallic paint such as aluminuinbrofize, whi'chis folloWd by k the application of another coating 29 tion; The panel Will noW present a Smooth "plish by renioving portions of the va1ious ANNUNCITOR?TEL 1930, Serial o; 438,871.

complish this I provide apanel CompOSed of a sheet of glass 26 or any other sitable 2 transparent inaterial, upon the surface of which-I apply one or more coatings of enaniel this purpose as indicatdin Fig. '2 ofjthe -drawingl OVr this coating 27 I apply a second coating 28 (Fig. 3) consisting'of'any material which will' render the -"Surface (F ig;4)- of-enamel or the'like and Which may be of'th 'cha1acter usediii the first applicauni form surface of opaqueness. "It'is dsirable atthis tirne to form'there on the 'indicia 30, whichmay be, that of letternumeralsor smb0ls. This, I accomcoatings 27, 28 and 29 as indited at 31 in a manner to formtheref1uiredindii npo-n the surf.ceofthe glass 26, the rernoved portions being indicative of the character, numeral or symbol desired While the back ground is formed of the various' coatings5 this being clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawing. v

However, it Will be understood, that the removed portions may form the back ground, the indicia being formed of the various coatings.

In order that the panel Will present an apparently entire 7 opaque Surface when not illuminated, I next cover the entire surface including that from which the Various coatings have been removed with a final application of material32 such as the enamel used in the previouscoatings 27 and 2.9, although any other suitable translucent materialmay be used as shown inFigs. 1 and 6. It will be the openings formed in the undercoatings Will be covered in a manner to simulate opaqueness adapted to conform to the tone of the balance of the panel.

.'When illuminated from the rear, the indicia, formed by removing portions of the qundercoatings, will be sharply defined through that of the outer or final coating. The paint or enamel should be of a character Such that it adheres tightly to the oundation. Preferably thepaint or enamel such as Duco is applied by spraying under pressure By putting a coat of such enamel over the bronze or similar opaque paint it is easier to-obtain 'clear cut edges When forming the stencil or syinbol outline.

; This method of manufacture produces a =sharp clear eut signal When the light is turned on even when the electric light bulb,

is.placed close toythe glass as is most desirable in shallow box annunciator constructions.

' Itis to be distinctly understood that while I have illustrated and described a preferred embodimentof my invention, various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended clain'n.

I claim:

v An annunciator panel comprising a trans- 4 parent supporting body, an opaque -Coating superimposed on the outside of said body and provided with openings to form indicia, the edges of the coating around-the openings being thin and sharp, an 'outer translucent coating applied to and extending over' said opaque coating, 'said edges andthe exposed portion of said transparent body, said outer coating being formed with a continuous and r uniform light reflecting surface, and a light source behind the supporting body at the side opposite to the coatings.

JOSEPH. o. CADIEX; 

